ülessulatamine

Ülessulatamine is an Estonian term that translates to "thawing" or "defrosting" in English. It refers to the process of returning a frozen substance to a liquid or softer state. This can apply to various contexts, including food, materials, and even abstract concepts in some metaphorical uses.

In the context of food, ülessulatamine is the common practice of removing items from a frozen state to prepare them for cooking or consumption. This is typically done by allowing food to gradually warm up at room temperature, in a refrigerator, or by using specific thawing functions on appliances like microwaves. Proper ülessulatamine of food is important for food safety, as it helps prevent the growth of bacteria.

Beyond food, the term can also describe the thawing of frozen water, such as ice on roads or in pipes, which is often a seasonal occurrence in regions with cold winters. In a more figurative sense, ülessulatamine can describe the easing of tensions or the re-establishment of communication after a period of coldness or estrangement between individuals or groups. It signifies a return to a more fluid or open state.